cheesy gland - NSW Department of Primary Industries

AGFACTS
AGFACTS
AGFACTS
www.agric.nsw.gov.au
Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a recurring bacterial
disease in goats that causes abscesses in lymph nodes
in internal organs and under the skin.
It is the cause of extensive loss through carcase
condemnation in sheep and, as the goat meat industry
increases, a similar substantial loss is likely in the goat
industry.
CAUSE
Cheesy gland is caused by infection with the
bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The
organism occurs in abscesses as well as in the gut and
faeces of the goat. It can survive for up to 4 months
on the ground and on fences, feed troughs and head
bails depending on shelter from wind and sun.
SPREAD OF INFECTION
The bacteria are abundant in the pus inside abscesses.
When these abscesses burst, the pus containing
bacteria is transferred to the environment around the
goat pens. The infection is then picked up by other
goats through contamination of wounds and broken
skin.
The common behavioral habit amongst goats of
frequent licking, as well as of rubbing their heads and
necks against fence posts and sheds, allows the rapid
spread of cheesy gland. Where goats are kept in
small yards, the direct contact and close grazing of
contaminated grass or feeds in feed troughs also
encourages spread.
Dairy goats that are placed in head bails for milking
are particularly prone to being infected through
splinters around the neck.
Goat health—
caseous
lymphadenitis
(cheesy gland)
Agfact A7.9.8, second edition 2004
Robert North
Former Veterinary Officer, NSW Agriculture
(Reviewed JT Seaman
Program Leader Flock Health)
Superficial lymph nodes (glands) where caseous
lymphadenitis abscesses commonly occur.
Contaminated grooming gear can spread the bacteria
to other goats. Contaminated shearing blades are an
important method of spread in Angoras and
Cashmere goats.
Once the bacteria enter the goat’s body, they spread in
the bloodstream until they become localized in the
lymph nodes, organs or subcutaneous tissue.
SIGNS
Infected lymph nodes grow to become large abscesses
ranging in size from an egg to a grapefruit. The
contents are thick green/yellow cheese-like pus, hence
the common name ‘cheesy gland’.
ORDER NO. A7.9.8 AGDEX 470/653

Cheesy gland is more noticeable in dairy goats
because infected glands are not hidden under
the fleece. Photos: Douglas H. Burrell, Principal
Research Scientist, CSIRO.
In short-haired dairy goats these swollen glands are
obvious, particularly in the head (parotid and
submandibular) and neck, in front of the shoulder
(prescapular), in the flank (prefemoral) and udder
(supramammary) lymph nodes.
Abscesses that develop in the internal lymph nodes
present different problems.
Abscesses in the lungs, liver and spleen may cause
illthrift in the goat, making it lose condition or show
other signs such as a chronic cough or loss of milk
production. Severely affected goats may die or have to
be put down because of debility.
Other abscesses occur in goats due to infection of a
local wound.
Examples are vaccination sites after using
contaminated needles, grass seed and thistle spines
causing abscesses around the mouth and lips, and
pustules (especially on the udder) which become
infected with bacteria such as Staphyloccocus spp. and
develop into larger abscesses. These are not necessarily
cheesy gland; however, treatment in individual goats is
the same.
TREATMENT
In individual goats with large abscesses, lance the
abscess at the lowest point. Flush out the cavity with
disinfectant after the pus has drained. Because pus is
the main method of spread, it should be collected and
disposed of safely by burying or treating with
disinfectant.
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Once the cavity is clean, infuse with antibiotic cream
or ointment to assist recovery. Tubes such as those
used for mastitis treatment are very suitable.
STOPPING THE SPREAD
• Isolate infected goats with discharging abscesses
until satisfactorily treated.
• Treat infected goats promptly.
• Try to limit possible wounding of goats around the
head and neck from head bails or fences with
protruding nails, wire or splinters.
• Disinfect shearing equipment after use on infected
goats.
PREVENTION
A vaccine is now available for the effective control of
cheesy gland in goats. Glanvac 3, Glanvac 6 and
Glanvac 6, B12 are registered vaccines for goats. Kids
should be vaccinated at 6 to 8 weeks of age to prime
their immune dose.
Revaccination 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose is
necessary to ensure immunity. Cheesy gland vaccine
also contains other clostidial disease vaccines.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
After handling goats infected with cheesy gland,
ensure you take personal hygiene measures, especially
if you have cuts and abrasions on your hands or arms.
These wounds can become infected, involving lymph
nodes, which in turn become tender and swollen.

There may be some general malaise, fatigue and fever.
Seek prompt medical attention if these signs occur.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, contact your RLPB
veterinary inspector or veterinary practitioner or the
NSW Department of Primary Industries.
See also Agfact A3.9.21, Cheesy gland Caseous
Lymphadenitis in sheep.
Drawing by M. Romer
First edition edited by J. Alice Hofler
Division of Agricultural Services
ISSN 0725-7759 Job No. 5085
3
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this publication is based on
knowledge and understanding at the time of review August
2004. However, because of advances in knowledge, users
are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon
which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the
information with the appropriate officer of the NSW
Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent
adviser.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Users of agricultural chemical products must always read the
label and strictly comply with directions on the label. Users
are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the
label by reason of any statement made, or omitted to be
made, in this publication.